A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Kamloops for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Big Sur or Kamloops?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Kamloops can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Kamloops travel costs.

Big Sur and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamloops. Although Big Sur and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Kamloops has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Big Sur is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Big Sur different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kamloops and Big Sur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is great for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Kamloops?

Kamloops is adequate for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

While most people don't head to Kamloops specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Kamloops can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Kamloops offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kamloops has a few options to choose from. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Kamloops?

Kamloops is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Kamloops has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Big Sur is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kamloops. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an amazing natural area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Kamloops is a good natural area for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Big Sur is a good natural area to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kamloops is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Kamloops is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

Kamloops is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Big Sur or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Big Sur than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Big Sur, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

Families should spend more time in Kamloops than Big Sur. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kamloops, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Big Sur or Kamloops?

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamloops, you'll find skiing and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Big Sur or Kamloops?

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kamloops, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Kamloops?

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamloops is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Kamloops?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This natural area offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamloops. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Kamloops. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Sur and Kamloops, we can see that Kamloops is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kamloops would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamloops than you might in Big Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Sur Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Kamloops?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Big Sur or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Kamloops. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kamloops in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Sur is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 63°F (17°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Sur or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Big Sur is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Big Sur usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kamloops. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kamloops can be very cold. In the winter, Big Sur is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Sur in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Big Sur usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Big Sur during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Big Sur is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 56°F (13°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Big Sur usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Big Sur